NER: Highly-Ordered Two Dimensional and Three Dimensional Inorganic Arrays Using Protein Templates

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The objective of this research is to determine the feasibility of using a biological system for templating particles into well-ordered two- and three-dimensional assemblies, with the vision toward new applications in nanoscale optoelectronic devices and high temperature electrochemical systems. The approach is to attach inorganic nanoparticles to protein templates to form highly-ordered two-dimensional arrays, characterize the spatial and optical properties of these protein-nanoparticle assemblies, and use layer-by-layer assembly to build three-dimensional protein-nanoparticle hybrid materials. Intellectual Merit:This research will develop a new strategy to construct nanostructured materials. The ability to fabricate assemblies comprising small inorganic nanoparticles into arrays of predetermined spacing and arrangement is currently not feasible. By enabling lattice parameter manipulation and ordered layer-by-layer assembly, arrays that consist of particles exhibiting the quantum size effect may reveal new properties. This, in turn, could enable the design of novel devices in areas such as optoelectronic technologies and fuel cells. Broader Impact:The program is necessarily a multidisciplinary endeavor, and it therefore represents an excellent opportunity for students to participate in a collaborative team effort and be trained to work with team members of diverse backgrounds. Under this proposed project, students at all educational levels (graduate, undergraduate, and high school) will be actively recruited. The results of this proposed work will also be integrated into topics presented in graduate-level courses.